The Raleigh Astronomy Club (RAC) is a 501(c)(3) North Carolina non-profit organization that was founded in 1978 to foster education and interest in astronomy in the Raleigh, NC area. Membership in the Raleigh Astronomy Club is open to anyone with an interest in astronomy. There are no requirements for any equipment or expertise in science or astronomy.

RAC provides resources, educational lectures, observing sessions, and social connections for amateurs to learn more about astronomy and to enhance their enjoyment of the hobby. All age groups are represented and RAC welcomes family involvement, although there is no specific children's program at this time.

RAC also provides educational programs for school groups through the Wake County Scientist-Teacher Partnership. Members provide their telescopes and astrophotos in programs for all ages. In addition, the Club schedules observing sessions for the general public several times each year, where members provide their telescopes and expertise in showing the sun, moon, planets, and deep-sky objects.

The Club also co-hosts the annual Astronomy Days event in conjunction with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Astronomy Days attracts over 15,000 people annually.

Member Benefits

RAC meets on the second and fourth Fridays of every month. One meeting is an indoor meeting where members share their astronomical interests, listen to guest lecturers, and learn about club activities. Indoor meetings occur at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at 7:30PM. The other meeting is an observation session at various dark sky sites, weather permitting. For more information, see the Meetings page.

In addition, RAC has several special interest groups that meet separately to discuss particular aspects of amateur astronomy, such as astronomical imaging (astrophotography) and radio astronomy. For more information, see the Meetings page.

• Access to the Club's observing sites for impromptu observing sessions
• Access to the Club's online discussion groups and e-mail lists
• Access to the member's only sections of the website
• Use of Club owned telescopes, as available
• Membership in the Astronomical League
• Sky & Telescope subscription and merchandise discounts
• Voting privileges in Club business matters (Individual membership: 1 vote; Family membership: 2 votes)
• Eligibility to hold office after one year's membership

Membership

The Raleigh Astronomy Club offers both Individual and Family memberships. Memberships may be purchased online, directly from the Club Treasurer at a meeting, or by mailing a check to:

When contacting the Treasurer by mail, please include your name, mailing address, telephone number, and optionally your e-mail address so you can receive a New Member Information Package. When requesting a family membership, please also designate the two voting members.

Membership in the Raleigh Astronomy Club is on a calendar year basis. Memberships paid January through September apply to the current calendar year and those paid October through December apply to the following year.